It’s the stuff at the bottom of the cup. The still granulated, undissolved sugar that sits soaked in the final drops of your coffee. You could throw it out, but instead you guiltily enjoy it like candy for grownups.
I’m on my third mini-cup, and the sugar at the bottom is awaiting its last rites. My grocery store adventure is halfway through, and I’m taking a moment to loiter at the station where free coffee and free samples await.
Everyone has their own Trader Joe’s routine, and mine fits me like an old glove. I start with the organic fruits. Then I pick up some veggies and bread. Ooops, don’t forget about the pre-packaged celery sticks and peanut butter. Now off to the organic yogurt and soy milk. And that’s just Aisle 1.
Truth be told, my New Delhi grocery adventures were never quite the same. That’s not New Delhi’s fault. I hated my kitchen, so I never used it. I hated my flat, so I spent little time eating in it. Grocery stores had plenty of options, but if you aren’t cooking, you are missing out.
But now that I’m back, my bay area palate is re-emerging. True, there’ll be no more idlis and sambar for 40 rupees ($1). And the day of the $3 thali is over. But mmm-mmmm, that polenta smells good as I cook it up on my old apartment stovetop. And the mozzarella slices with basil and tomato? It is fun to try making insalata caprese at home.
As I leave Trader Joe’s and enter the parking lot, another San Francisco day greets me. Sunny blue skies with a cold wind. And it occurs to me that the City is slowly taking me back in her arms. And planting a flirty kiss on my cheek.
1 Comment
June 16, 2008 at 8:55 am
Coffee Sugar
Coffee/tea sugar at the bottom of the cup makes the best dessert for me. Yum yum!
Rita